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A Strengthened Arctic?
Dear reader. We have met a farmer who worries about food preparedness in the North and world leaders in Troms and note that the unrest in the Middle East is spreading to the Arctic. Here is the latest news from the North.
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Last week, the heads of state of Norway, Germany and Canada gathered in Northern Norway to show a united front in regard to security in the Arctic. Journalist Astri Edvardsen traveled to Bardufoss together with an extensive press contingent for the Cold Response exercise.
But while allied forces are training for war, a real war is taking place in the North, in which Svalbard and Greenland plays a key role.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also announced a massive investment in the country's High North to strengthen sovereignty in the Arctic, but faces backlash from the opposition, who believe Carney's government has weakened the Canadian Arctic for an entire decade.
Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish state secretaries also gathered for a joint exercise in Narvik, Northern Norway, in connection with the defense exercise. (Norwegian only)
But despite the militarization of the Arctic, it will remain stable as long as Russia benefits from cooperation in the region, says FNI Researcher Serafima Andreeva.
Preparedness and unrest
Fewer choose to farm in the Arctic. Journalist Linn Ophaug met Norwegian farmer Magne Kristensen, who fears the consequences for food security in the North.
The unrest in the Middle East has led to increased oil prices reaching all the way to Svalbard.
Concurrently, the war also impacts the export of Europe's largest iron ore producer. (Norwegian only)
Still, the EU is rejecting calls from member states to reopen Russian LNG talks following escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Environmental wear and loss
The German philosopher Jürgen Habermas is dead, 96 years old.
“He died when we needed him the most. Over the course of his long life, he was at the forefront as a steadfast defender of the significance of dialogue for democracy," writes Arne O. Holm in a tribute.
A new research project will map the extent of environmental wear due to increased tourism.
And not least, an Arctic football adventure has come to a close, but Bodø/Glimt has made Norwegian football history this season.
Read about all this and more at High North News. If you have anything to share, send it to hinn@nord.no.
Best, Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen
